Research vessel scans and reveals the secrets of Santorini and Kolumbo volcanoes

The research vessel RV Poseidon of the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research of Kiel in cooperation with the Geology Department of Kapodistrian University of Athens are examining the seabed and the underseas volcanoes of the islands of Cyclades with focus on the volcano of Santorini and the submarine volcano Kolumbo.

The expedition started on March 8 and the scientists aim to study the developments and changes in the undersea volcanoes of the Cyclades throughout the centuries and to find indications for possible explosions in the future. Special focus will be given on the volcano of Santorini, which is an attraction for scientists from Greece and abroad, in order to investigate the largest volcanic explosion that took place approximately 3,600 years ago as well as the most recent explosion of the underseas volcano of Kolumbo that took place in 1650 AD.

The programme will run until the end of May and includes four oceanographic missions that will monitor the submarine area of Greece’s volcanic field. The three expeditions will focus on the triangle Santorini-Amorgos-Nisyros while the fourth one will examine the submarine area of the Saronic Gulf.

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